Well, winter is still here and I am not sure about you, but it is hard not just on us but on our homes!

This year you could choose to get on top of that “honey-do” list and save some money in the short and long term!

If you are selling your home keeping on top of those small repairs is of utmost importance! Even if your home is not on the market you need to look after your home to save money on future potential repairs.

However, lets be honest here, most of those little nagging jobs you never get around to until its time to sell! Even then sometimes sellers complain about the cost of doing these repairs. Therefore here is an idea – repair little and often!

Spending a $100 here and there on those little repairs – the leaky faucet, the weather proofing and caulking can not only save a bigger job down the line it can also give you that added advantage when it comes time to sell!

These days with foreclosures and short sales many repairs are not carried out, so by spending a little money on the smaller jobs can reap rewards in making your home stand out when it comes to selling!

Things which shouldn’t be overlooked include: changing your furnace air filters regularly, fixing leaky faucets/toilets, repairing caulking issues in the bathroom and defective electrical outlets/wiring – these may seem insignificant but they can make a big difference!

Whether you are a first time buyer trying to determine how much you can afford, or an experienced buyer who is selling your current property and ready to buy your next home I can help you with all your real estate needs in the Chicagoland Northwest Suburbs Area.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Bartlett IL, Schaumburg IL and the Hoffman Estates using our complimentary MLS Search service. You can also view our fantastic range of featured properties!

Alternatively please contact me today if you need more specific assistance in your real estate needs. You can call the office on: 847-874-6731 or Cell phone on: 847-913-2606 or of course email me at: Joe@JoeStacy.com

My expertise, experience and dedication to you and your specific needs are anything but average – it’s why this office is number one in the Northwest Suburbs year after year!

Joe Stacy
2570 W. Schaumburg Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60194

With temperatures below zero lately, the cost of heating your home has more of an impact on your budget than ever before. Follow these tips to keep your heating bill reasonable:

1. For a 5% decrease on your energy bill, remember to lower the thermostat as you leave the house and also before you go to bed. This costs you nothing and the savings will really add up once you make it a daily routine.
2. Keep the doors inside your house open to increase the airflow and prevent the need for your heating system to work harder.
3. Keep your drapes closed at night to trap heat inside, and open them in the morning to allow the sunlight to naturally warm your house.
4. Seal your windows with vinyl weatherstrip to save up to $100 per year.
5. Replace your furnace filter every three months if needed. A clean filter is a cheap way to save big bucks in the long run.
6. Insulate your attic. This can save you a bundle on your energy bill!  Attic insulation should be around 18 inches thick and standing walls can be filled with blow-in foam for around $1.00 per square foot.